| Satellite television long ago outstripped cable in | | | | the owning method. However, since you are not |
| popularity all across the nation. Now the big | | | | purchasing the equipment, the rental fee is |
| debate is between the two leading suppliers of | | | | actually part of your subscription payment and |
| satellite TV, DirecTV and Dish Network. Each of | | | | you will pay this as long as you are using Dish |
| the services offers a comprehensive channel | | | | Network. |
| lineup, both of them offer DVRs and both of | | | | So, both methods entail costs, though one is |
| them have pay per view and several other | | | | completely up front and the other is throughout |
| similarities (though DirecTV is the undisputed | | | | the life of the contract. There are ways around |
| HDTV leader). One significant area that consumers | | | | both issues, though. Many satellite television |
| find debatable, though, is the choice of renting or | | | | installation companies offer free systems with |
| owning their equipment. | | | | free installation. Is this really free? Well, yes and |
| Both methods have pros and cons. Let's look at | | | | no. They are usually only applicable for new |
| owning the equipment first. DirecTV is the only | | | | accounts and they require additional programming. |
| satellite company that gives you the option to | | | | Basic programming almost never comes with any |
| own your equipment. The good thing about this | | | | perks. To access real savings, you have to |
| method is that once purchased, the equipment is | | | | upgrade your programming. This can be almost |
| yours to keep. You can use it, sell it or throw it | | | | any upgraded package, though, so you get a wide |
| away; it doesn't matter, you bought it. This | | | | range of options. Sports packages, family |
| method also saves some money in the end since | | | | packages, comprehensive packages that include |
| you don't have to constantly "rent" your | | | | almost all available channels and HD packages can |
| equipment for additional fees. However, if you | | | | all be used to get free systems and free |
| change satellite service providers, you are now | | | | installation. |
| stuck with a dish and receiver (maybe more!) that | | | | In addition, DirecTV, at least, is offering some |
| you no longer need. | | | | great additional deals at the moment. New installs |
| Renting your equipment, though, also has some | | | | can get free installation and free equipment, plus a |
| benefits. Dish Network rents their equipment, | | | | mail in rebate for an HD DVR, standard DVR or |
| rather than selling it. Since this equipment never | | | | even HD channels. Choosing to own or rent your |
| belongs to you, you can send it back when you | | | | equipment is ultimately up to you, though you |
| change service providers. In addition, repairs to | | | | should research each company and find the best |
| the equipment are at the cost of the company | | | | introductory offer available. |
| (minus a service charge, of course), unlike with | | | | |